Emmy Awards Heavyweight to Direct Oscars

A veteran director whose list of industry awards — along with his experience in directing awards shows — is virtually unmatched has been named as director of the 85th Academy Awards, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Don Mischer, who has won 13 Primetime Emmys — many of them for awards shows — joins a team that already includes veteran producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. It will be Mischer’s third consecutive year directing the event.

In a statement, Zadan and Meron said: "For a very long time, we had always hoped to work with Don Mischer. His talent and reputation are unsurpassed, and we’re so happy he will be our collaborator on the 85th Academy Awards."

The Oscars telecast will air live on ABC on Feb. 24, 2013, from the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

Mischer’s long track record of Emmy-winning work includes multiple awards for “The Kennedy Center Honors” and the Tony Awards, honors for a number of music-oriented programs, including “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” (1983), “Motown Returns to the Apollo” (1985) and “Irving Berlin’s 100th Birthday Celebration” (1988), and recognition for comedy specials such as “Bob Hope: The First 90 Years” (1993).

Mischer also has a long string of Directors Guild of America Awards, along with other industry honors.